Building Bridges, Building Business

The mission of the CHQ Chamber is to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. That is why we are proud to host our Second Annual “Official Introductions” tonight at the Athenaeum Hotel.

This event provides an opportunity for local business leaders to connect directly with elected officials at the local, county, state, and even federal levels. Events like these bring together the economic drivers of our community with the policymakers who make decisions that can have a profound impact on how we live and do business.

The Chamber’s advocacy events hit on two main pillars of the mission: building connections and championing our local businesses. Too often, something can sound good on paper but have very real and unintended consequences when put into practice. Creating opportunities for lawmakers and business owners to sit down together allows both sides to better understand the realities of doing business in our community.

Here’s why advocacy for your business matters:

• Influencing local policy and legislation. Local regulations involving zoning, labor, taxes, environmental issues, and other areas can have a direct impact on your bottom line.

• Protecting against potentially harmful legislation. Maintaining regular communication with elected officials gives businesses a voice when legislation is proposed that could increase costs, limit operations, or restrict growth.

• Accessing opportunities and incentives. Building relationships with elected officials and community leaders can help businesses learn about grants, tax incentives, public contracts, and other opportunities.

• Building a stronger community. Engaging with local leaders demonstrates that you care not only about your own business, but also about the economic health and future of the entire community. Those relationships can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities.

Too often, politics becomes a flashpoint, creating conflict where there should be conversation. When that happens, open and honest dialogue can become the casualty.

Real change, and real progress, starts with communication, discussion, and even respectful debate. Our goal with advocacy events like “Official Introductions” is to open those lines of communication, create opportunities for meaningful conversations, and build direct connections between local businesspeople and their elected officials. Advocacy is about being willing to sit down, listen, share ideas, and work together toward a stronger community.

3rd on Third is September 17

3rd on Third is a free community event designed to help you shop, dine, and explore downtown Jamestown. The final 3rd on Third for this season features many open businesses, live music by Rachel Eisenstat, free downtown walking tours by the Fenton History Center, and the Jamestown Farmers Market with eleven vendors. This event is Thursday, September 17 from 5-8pm and is sponsored by Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Gebbie Foundation, Sukanya Burman Dance, and SumoFiber.

Business After Hours at RTPI

Business After Hours is back for the fall at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown on Thursday, September 24 from 5-6:30pm. There will be complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Chamber members can send two people free of charge. Additional members or non-members are $10 each. This Business After Hours is sponsored by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, LaBella Associates, Phillips Lytle, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and State University of New York at Fredonia. Registration is open now through the CHQ Chamber’s online calendar.

Made in Falconer Slated for September 26

Returning for a third year, the CHQ Chamber presents Made in Falconer. Take tours of local manufacturers and stop to shop or dine at local businesses.

Manufacturing Tour stops include:

• Ellison Bronze

• Hanson Sign Company

• Stuart Tool & Die

Tours will begin every half hour at each site.

In addition to the participating manufacturers, a number of local retail businesses and restaurants are participating as well. We hope you’ll visit them during Made in Falconer!